Brandon Saad, Phantoms plow by IceDiggers, 9-2

ALPENA, Mich. — Brandon Saad had a hat trick and the Mahoning Valley Phantoms dominated the scoring in a 9-2 victory over the Alpena IceDiggers on Saturday night in a North American Hockey League game.

Saad scored twice in the second period, giving the Phantoms a 4-0 lead with 8:40 remaining. He added his final goal as part of a four-goal outburst by the Phantoms (26-10-3, 55 points) in the third period.

Saad also had two assists as the Phantoms held just a 40-39 edge in shots but were far more efficient than their North Division rivals.

Saad, who had one powerplay goal and one shorthanded, now has 19 goals to lead the Phantoms this season. He’s tied for second on the team with 30 points.

Johnny Meo added a goal and three assists for the Phantoms, who dominated Alpena in the weekend series. Erik Higby and Stefan Salituro had one goal and two assists apiece.

The Phantoms won Friday’s series opener, 6-1.

George Saad, Cody Ganchar and Jordy Trottier had the Phantoms’ other goals Saturday.

Trottier continues to lead the Phantoms with 33 points.

Erik Peterson and Andy Yarber scored goals for the IceDiggers (20-15-5, 45 points), but Phantoms goalie Jordan Tibbett stopped 37 other shots to pick up the win.

George Saad and Meo scored in the first period, then Brandon Saad got goals at 2:38 and 11:20 of the second period to make it 4-0.

Trottier’s goal at 16:33 was sandwiched by Alpena’s two tallies.